Peak Design Travel Backpack 30L Review - Clean, Compact and Functional Traveler

[@kingston4313]

I like this more than far point. Looks so clean and doesn’t stand out.

[@kurtthecat3995]

Your nit-picks are valid points. I think sometimes bag designers try to get a little too cute and want to design something unconventional just to be different. The most functional bag opening is the way you described it, separate laptop compartment in back, a top opening zipper and a clam shell opening.

[@ofthetraveler]

@@kurtthecat3995 You describe it perfectly. That’s the sweet spot right there. A bag I love but never keep because of perceived durability issues is the Wandrd Prvke, it suffers from having a weird opening into the main, where the weight of the entire pack is on the zipper.

[@kurtthecat3995]

@@ofthetraveler I'll check that bag to see what you're describing. It's the same with the Pakt bags, all great features, but why the heck is the laptop sleeve in the middle of the clamshell? It affects expandability. Just put it in the back of the bag. I figured if I ever get the Pakt bag, I would cut out the laptop sleeve.

[@gotUpdated]

The Aer Travel Pack series has the laptop on the back with the main compartment zipper on the front side to let you pack the way you prefer.

[@cafeapaka7501]

Before purchasing this pack it makes sense to check their site and read or watch any information about its form and function - it is useful in deciding if this pack is for your use case. This backpack is specifically made to carry gear safely to and from your destination. This pack is not meant to be constantly accessed during a trip. Still, to access your laptop quickly, you can easily stand the bag up and partially open the main compartment pulling your laptop out without opening the entire clamshell. The pack opens on its face to keep the harness section off the ground keeping dirt and other pathogens off your back. The strength of this pack is the simplicity and expansion. With less admin pockets you take only what is essential.

[@ofthetraveler]

@@cafeapaka7501 It’s called a Travel backpack, so it’s used during travel - transit and once at the destination as EDC, given its capacity. Not everyone uses packs the same way, irrelevant of the intention of the designer. Glad you’ve found the way it works to fit your use case 👏 👏 👏

[@cafeapaka7501]

@@ofthetraveler true, totally agree - not everyone uses a pack the same way but some packs are designed to be used a particular way whether a user does so or not (design can dictate use) - I don’t use the PD 30 L for this reason as it is not logically setup for ease of access during travel because of the lack of a deeper admin front pocket - still an incredible pack but again, some packs will logically steer you for certain use cases.

[@zclaus9642]

This is one of the few bags on the market with a more minimalist laptop compartment. If someone needs a better laptop compartment there are hundreds of bags to choose from.

[@ofthetraveler]

@@zclaus9642 that’s certainly a valid perspective. But I’d argue that the grand majority of people who use a “travel” bag like this, will be putting a laptop inside. Especially since Peak Design is a very tech/photography centric company. Still, if a minimalist laptop compartment is your jam, I am glad you found something that works for you.

[@chrisguevara]

I like this bag specifically because I don't take my laptop on trips (the laptop storage takes little space when not used). If I do need a laptop, I use a different backpack. Obviously, maximizing bag utility has its compromises.

[@ofthetraveler]

That’s a good point. Unfortunately, because of what I do for a living, I always take my laptop. I’d love to not have it 😂 Still, even without the laptop, the way this bag opens causes the bottom to fold in on itself, and I am not a fan. It’s a minor thing, but it’s there. Thanks for the comment!

[@seemore247]

So it's not practical as an every day bag / carry ? Im considering this bag as an every day and occasional travel bag. But because even if you open to get the laptop you probably dont want to access the rest of the bag through THAT by sliding your hand ie without opening it fully by without laying the bag down. I'm also considering bellroy venture 26L and travel ready 26L. All these bags are expensive/overpriced but bellroy is the most expensive. The bags should retail for 50-75% of what they do imo.

[@AbdulRahim-cu7y]

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